Florida Gators volleyball defeats Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- A staggering 17 blocks, three players with double-doubles and four players with double-digit kills all contributed to a 3-1 Florida Gators win at No. 20 Kentucky Wildcats as the Orange and Blue continued to roll in SEC play with a fourth-consecutive conference win at Memorial Coliseum Sunday.
The Gators improved to 13-4 on the season, 5-3 in SEC play, as Florida gave Kentucky (13-6, 6-1) its first loss in SEC play and notched its fourth top-25 victory of the season to improve to 4-2 against ranked foes on the 2015 campaign.
After struggling to find an offensive rhythm in the first frame, which went in favor of the home team 25-22, Florida rallied to win the next three 25-21, 25-22, 25-20, to defeat the Cats on their home turf after UK took the first meeting between the two teams in Gainesville in Sept. 27.
Sophomore middle Rhamat Alhassan (12K, 10B), fellow classmate Carli Snyder (11K, 17D) and senior outside hitter Živa Recek (10K, 13D) all notched double-doubles, Snyder with a career-high 17 digs and Alhassan with her third double-digit block performance of the season.
Junior right side Alex Holston joined Alhassan with a team-high 12 kills, while Alhassan combined for 18 points in the victory, most on the court.
In addition to Recek and Snyder senior libero Nikki O'Rourke had double-digit scoops, with 12, in the back row.
After avenging its first SEC loss against Kentucky Sunday in Lexington, the Gators will look to do the same and defend their home turf against the Arkansas Razorbacks and Missouri Tigers Friday and Sunday in the Stephen C. O'Connell Center.
MARY'S MINUTE
"The numbers tell the story of how much better we have gotten over the past month; our players in double-digit kills, the things we couldn't do a month ago. We are improving in the areas we have to with half the season still to go."
BY THE NUMBERS
50 | The Orange and Blue notched its 50th win all-time against the Wildcats with Sunday's four-set victory. UF is now 50-11 all-time against Kentucky and 48-4 under head coach Mary Wise. Florida is 22-5 in Lexington
23 | Career double-doubles for senior outside hitter Živa Recek, who notched 10 kills and 13 digs for the Orange and Blue against Kentucky Sunday
17 | Digs for sophomore outside hitter Carli Snyder, a new career high to go with her fourth career double (11 kills)
17 | Blocks for the Gators, a season-best output, compared to Kentucky's nine. Florida has double-digit roofs in 14 of 17 matches so far this season
4 | Wins for the Gators against top-25 foes this season. UF is 4-2 against ranked opponents in 2015.
5 | Players with double-digit points against Kentucky, marking the fourth time this season senior setter Mackenzie Dagostino's ball distribution has enabled five hitters to notch double-digit points in a four-set affair
3 | Matches this season for sophomore middle Rhamat Alhassan with double-digit blocks after 10 Sunday against the Wildcats (school record 14 at James Madison)
UP NEXT
After a week on the road, the No. 17 Gators return home for a weekend set against Arkansas and Missouri Friday and Sunday, respectively. Sunday's match against the Tigers will be the Gators' Pink Match.
ARKANSAS AND MISSOURI PROMOTIONS
Friday, October 23, 7:00 PM vs. Arkansas
* Presenting sponsor: Cox
* Presenting sponsor: 100.5 The Buzz
* Key Chains
The first 300 fans will receive a key chain courtesy of Cox
* Family Weekend
We welcome all Gators who are spending fall family weekend to the Stephen C. O'Connell Center
Sunday, October 25, 1:30 PM vs. Missouri
* Presenting sponsor: UF Health
* Pink T-Shirts
The first 500 fans will receive Pink T-Shirts courtesy of UF Health
* Pink Match
Any cancer survivors or those currently battling cancer will receive free admission to the match. We will also be honoring all those cancer survivors and those currently battling cancer throughout the match
* Kids Corner
Sundays are Kids Days at Florida Volleyball Matches. Stop by the Kids Corner to meet your favorite mascots, spirit squads, play games, make posters and partake other exciting promotions. Located on the inter concourse between gates 3 and 4

Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.

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